CHENEY, Wash. — Football season is underway in the Inland Northwest. Eastern Washington University opened fall football camp Tuesday.
The clear message from coaches to players on Tuesday was things need to be done differently this fall camp in order to change the team's fortunes from the last two seasons.
"We have to be different from what we have been. The results are not what they need to be and where we expect them to be. We have enough players and enough good coaching, we just need to make sure we stay healthy and keep our minds in a good spot focusing on not winning today, but on being better today to win in the future," EWU Head Coach Aaron Best said.
EWU boasts a preseason first-team All-American wide receiver on offense in Efton Chism III. Chism made the decision to stay at EWU this offseason and help the team return to its former glory.
"I love Eastern. I think a lot of people just want a taste of college football and then go chase money or wins, but I am not like that. I am big on the process and I love these coaches and these guys, so I don't think I should walk out on my family and that is how I consider them," Chism said.
On the preseason accolades, Chism said, "I'm just trying to do whatever I can to win. At the end of the day, if we win, the more games we play, the more people are going to watch and get Eastern back to where it was."
The Eags also have a preseason third team All-American kick returner in backup quarterback Michael Wortham. Yes you read that right, Wortham divided his time last season among several different offensive positions for the Eags last season and showed signs of brilliance as an all around offensive weapon.
"I was grateful for the opportunity. No matter where the team needed me, I was going to line up and make the most of my abilities there, but I still have work to do. Wherever I am put and however many reps I get, I am just going to help my team as much as possible and let's try and get this national championship," Wortham said.
The Eags begin the regular season Thursday, August 29th at Roos Field against Monmouth. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m.
